The best online Python courses

Python has firmly established itself as a cornerstone programming language, celebrated for its remarkable versatility and developer-friendly syntax. Its widespread adoption across diverse industries is a testament to its power and ease of use, making it an essential skill for IT professionals. Whether you're embarking on your coding journey or looking to expand your existing skillset, Python, in tandem with other top programming languages, offers a gentle learning curve combined with the depth required for complex applications.

As a general-purpose language, Python's applications are extensive. While prominently used in web development to power server-side logic for countless online services, its reach extends far beyond. Today, Python is integral to cutting-edge fields such as data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, where its robust libraries and frameworks enable sophisticated data analysis and model development. It's also a go-to language for automation scripting, helping to streamline IT operations and repetitive tasks across systems.

Beyond these prominent areas, Python is leveraged in game development, building network tools, creating prototypes for new software, and even in embedded systems. Major technology corporations routinely use Python for testing and building critical components of their products. Its utility isn't confined to tech-centric roles either; finance and accounting professionals increasingly use Python for data manipulation and automating calculations, underscoring its broad appeal and practical value.

Popular uses of Python include:

• Website and software development
• Task automation
• Data analysis
• Data visualization
• Web development and frameworks
• Embedded systems
• Graphic design
• Network development
• Rapid application development
• Testing
• Automation scripting

Is Python development a good career?

The demand for skilled Python developers remains exceptionally high in 2025, solidifying its status as a rewarding career path. Employers across diverse industries actively seek Python expertise, leading to competitive compensation packages. This sustained demand is largely fuelled by Python's critical role in rapidly expanding fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and web development, ensuring that proficiency in the language continues to be an asset for IT professionals.

In the US, Python developers command impressive salaries. As of early to mid-2025, data from Talent.com indicates an average Python developer salary of approximately $125,111 per year, with entry-level positions starting around $105,052 and experienced workers earning up to $156,149. Reinforcing this, Salary.com reported an average for Entry Level Python Developers at $122,695 as of May 2025.

Across the United Kingdom, Python developers also benefit from strong earning potential, though figures vary by region. IT Jobs Watch indicated a median UK salary of £85,000 as of May 2025. In London, experienced developers (3-5 years) can expect salaries ranging from £85,000 to £105,000 according to Morgan McKinley's 2025 Salary Guide. Roles outside the capital, such as in Manchester, typically see averages for developers of £69,962, as suggested by data from Indeed.com.

Python's dominance is further evidenced by its top ranking among programming languages. GitHub's Octoverse reports from late 2024 and early 2025 consistently show Python as the most used language, driven significantly by its indispensable role in the AI and machine learning boom – fields that saw nearly 100% growth in related GitHub projects in 2024. Coupled with its famously gentle learning curve and a vast, supportive global community, Python remains an accessible yet powerful choice for both aspiring and established developers looking to thrive.

What are the best Python courses?

If you’re interested in learning Python, the best courses can help you master the language and put it into use with a range of complimentary technologies.

The Complete Python Bootcamp from Zero to Hero in Python

Best online Python course for beginners

Provider: Udemy

Price: Udemy courses are frequently discounted. List prices can range from $100−200, but sales often reduce this to $15-30. Udemy also offers a "Personal Plan" subscription for access to a curated collection of courses.

Course link: The Complete Python Bootcamp from Zero to Hero in Python

Course length: 22 hours

This highly-rated and comprehensive course by Jose Portilla is continually updated to teach modern Python 3. It's designed to take absolute beginners to a proficient level through numerous hands-on coding exercises, covering everything from Python installation and basic syntax to advanced features like object-oriented programming, modules, and error handling. Completing this bootcamp provides a strong foundation for further specialization.

30 Days of Python | Unlock your Python Potential

Best intensive online Python course

Provider: Udemy

Price: Subject to Udemy's dynamic pricing and frequent sales (often available for $15−30 during promotions, from a higher list price).

Course link: 30 Days of Python | Unlock your Python Potential

Course length: 9.5 hours

For those seeking a focused and practical introduction, this course by Justin Mitchel offers a hands-on approach to learning Python 3. It covers core programming concepts and quickly moves into practical applications, such as working with CSV files for data tasks. By the end, students will be equipped to tackle projects like web scraping, gaining valuable, real-world skills.

Advanced Python: Language Features

Best online Python course on LinkedIn Learning

Provider: LinkedIn Learning

Price: Included with a LinkedIn Learning subscription (typically around $29.99/month billed annually or $39.99/month billed monthly; a one-month free trial is often available). Individual course purchase prices vary.

Course link: Advanced Python: Language Features

Course link: Advanced Python: Language Features

Course length: 2 hours 30 mins

LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of specialized "Advanced Python" courses taught by industry experts. These courses delve into topics such as advanced object-oriented programming, concurrency, metaprogramming, and efficient data structures. They are ideal for developers looking to deepen their understanding of Python's more powerful features and write more sophisticated, optimized code.

Python and Django Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp

Best online Python course for web development

Provider: Udemy

Price: Subject to Udemy's dynamic pricing and frequent sales (often available for $20−40 during promotions, from a higher list price).

Course link: Python and Django Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp

Course length: 32 hours

This comprehensive bootcamp by Jose Portilla guides learners through building complete web applications using Python and the latest stable versions of the Django framework. It covers front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) alongside back-end development, database integration, and REST API creation. It's an excellent choice for those aiming for a full-stack web development career using Python.

AI Programming with Python

Best online Python course for using AI

Provider: Udacity

Price: Udacity Nanodegrees typically operates on a monthly subscription (e.g., around $249−399/month) or offers a bundled price for the estimated program duration. Check Udacity for current pricing and promotions.

Course link: AI Programming with Python

Course length: 3 months (around 10 hours per week)

This Nanodegree program is designed to provide a strong foundation in AI programming using Python. It covers essential data science libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib), machine learning concepts, and deep learning with PyTorch. Students learn to build and train neural networks, including an introduction to advanced architectures like Transformers, preparing them for more specialized AI roles.

Python Programmer

Best online Python course for those wanting a bit of everything

Provider: Datacamp

Price: Datacamp uses a subscription model (Standard or Premium), with monthly or discounted annual payments. Premium plans often range from $15−30 per month when billed annually. Check Datacamp for current pricing.

Course link: Python Programmer

Course length: 67 hours

Datacamp's "Python Programmer" Career Track offers a structured path for individuals aiming to build a career in programming with Python, even with no prior experience. It covers fundamental Python concepts, data structures, object-oriented programming, and then progresses to practical applications like web scraping and working with APIs, all through an interactive, hands-on learning platform.

Data Scientist with Python

Best online Python course for data science

Provider: Datacamp

Price: Datacamp subscription model (see Python Programmer track above for typical pricing structure).

Course link: Data Scientist with Python

Course length: 90 hours

Specifically tailored for aspiring data scientists, this extensive Career Track from Datacamp teaches how to use Python for data manipulation (Pandas), data visualization (Matplotlib, Seaborn), statistical analysis, machine learning (Scikit-learn), and an introduction to Natural Language Processing (NLP). The interactive exercises and real-world projects help solidify understanding and build a portfolio.

Learn Python Programming Masterclass

Best online Python course for software development

Provider: Udemy

Price: Subject to Udemy's dynamic pricing and frequent sales (often available for $20−40 during promotions, from a higher list price).K)

Course link: Learn Python Programming Masterclass

Course length: 74 hours

This detailed masterclass by Tim Buchalka's Learn Programming Academy is designed for both beginners and existing programmers wanting to master Python 3 for software development. It covers a vast range of topics from basic syntax to advanced concepts like object-oriented programming, database interaction, web development basics (e.g., with Flask), and GUI development. While it may offer context on Python 2 for legacy understanding, the primary focus is on modern Python 3 practices.

If you have ambitions to become a professional software developer, this course will give you a foundation to build upon. And existing programmers will also benefit by expanding the languages they are proficient in.

Python for Everybody Specialization

Best online Python course for data visualization

Provider: Coursera

Price: Courses can often be audited for free. To earn a certificate and access all graded assignments, Coursera Specializations typically require a monthly subscription (around $49-79/month for the Specialization, or access via a Coursera Plus subscription). Financial aid may be available.

Course link: Python for Everybody Specialization

Course length: 2 months (10 hours per week)

This highly respected Specialization from the University of Michigan, taught by Dr. Charles Severance ("Dr. Chuck"), is an excellent entry point into Python and computer science. The five-course series covers Python 3 basics, data structures, accessing web data (APIs, JSON, XML), using databases with Python, and culminates in a capstone project involving data retrieval, processing, and visualization. It's renowned for its clear explanations and practical approach.